Mars Retrograde in Aries ♂ 2020

Artist: SnakeEye Art

Mars enters Aries: June 27, 2020

Mars Retrograde in Aries: Sep 9 – Nov 13, 2020

Mars enters Taurus: Jan 6, 2021 

Planets in retrograde are not spinning backwards – it is an optical illusion as seen from Earth due to the fact that planets travel at their own respective speeds around the sun. In astrology, this illusion manifests as a “backwards” functioning of the planetary roles. Click here to learn more about retrograde.

Mars turns retrograde for two months once every two years. We last experienced Mars Retrograde from June 26 – Aug 27, 2018 (in Capricorn & Aquarius). This next retrograde falls in cardinal fire sign Aries, the constellation ruled by Mars. We will begin to feel the retrograde as soon as July 25. The effects will continue as late as Jan 2, 2021, just four days before Mars finally moves on to earth sign Taurus.

The purpose of Mars Retrograde is emotional catharsis via the body. Mars Retrograde means deep physical recalibration. Food, sleep, exercise, health – all of these and more will be thrown off as we digest new changes that arise. Anything that has not been properly healed (in the body or solar plexus chakra) will resurface so ferociously that we will be forced to finally address it, heal it, and more importantly, acknowledge the non-physical origins of our pain. The physical body is the last stop. Imbalances in the outer, subtle levels of the aura percolate down to the body, crying out for love and attention. That is the power of Mars Retrograde: identifying the connection between the body, mind, and spirit and the ways in which our emotional/spiritual work inevitably shows up in the body. This makes me think of the ACE trauma test – if you haven’t taken it, check it out. It’s online and free <3

Mars/Aries rules the body and our most primal impulses. Aries is the first constellation in the zodiac, and it is here that Mars returns now, triumphantly, like a warrior returning home from battle, victory on his lips. Aries invigorates the body-mind with physical and sexual energy, breathing fiery new life into the psyche. This retrograde is about fostering a healthy new relationship to our body and sexuality. Aries is pure stamina, an agent of action and movement. Our collective consciousness will be reawakened, refreshed.

Mars is god of both war and agriculture. As god of agriculture, Mars guides the sprouting of seedlings in springtime. As a warrior, he fights only if it truly secures peace. This is important – the Divine Masculine is multi-faceted, not strictly bloodthirsty or savage. Mars the Warrior channels virility; Mars the Agronomist channels fertility.

Mars and Venus were lovers. In his dissertation On Love, 15th century Italian philosopher Marsilio Ficino made a striking discovery after studying ancient artwork of the lovers: “Only Venus dominates Mars, and he never dominates her.”

Aries is the sign of the leader. There are many kinds of leaders. The Aries leader stands alone. He is stubborn, independent, and hotheaded. Frustration and impatience bubble up quickly with Mars in Aries. Please be careful around people who are already aggressive or competitive, as they are likely to be even more reckless or violent at this time.

People with strong Aries tend toward baldness or thin hair due to excess testosterone in their biochemistry. Another manifestation is unusual haircuts or facial piercings – anything which draws attention to the head. Aries also rules the muscles and blood, which is why this archetype is so connected to exercise. Aries people are restless and impatient. Study the way children move and speak and you will study Aries: an archetype who runs through life distracted, yet full of laughter.

Mars Retrograde is active in nature. We can move through our lessons by climbing, hiking, whatever you like – as long as we engage the body. Still, Mars Retrograde is a confusing transit, much like Mercury or Venus Retrograde. Even after the retrograde ends, give yourself time to sit with it all. Wait until you feel completely settled before you make any big life moves. Celebrate the first day of Mars in Aries with Aries Yoga. To find your personal Mars sign and whether this planet was retrograde when you were born, click here.

Dates to watch before the retrograde: July 8 (challenging), July 27 (challenging), Aug 4 (challenging), Aug 13 (challenging), Aug 16 (very sparkly and harmonious), Aug 24 (challenging), Sep 4 (challenging).

Dates to watch during the retrograde: Sep 24 (challenging), Sep 28 (harmonious), Sep 29 (challenging), Oct 9 (challenging), Oct 13 (challenging), Oct 18 (challenging), Nov 9 (challenging).

Dates to watch after the retrograde: Dec 10 (harmonious), Dec 14 (harmonious), Dec 23 (challenging).

Affirmation:  I am a fucking badass